Communique, Volume 19, Number 3

November 2023

Greetings from the ISSO!

In this issue:

ISSO Launching New Student Immigration Portal

The International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) is launching a new system to manage all international student documents and immigration processing. While the new system will not be used for scholar/employee processing, our ability to issue, extend or modify records for our J-1 scholars and employees will be temporarily impacted during the transition to the new system. More details about the new student system are available here.

From Monday, November 13 through Friday November 18, the ISSO will not be able to process any requests J-1 sponsorship. This includes processing for incoming J scholars as well as any requested processing for continuing J-1 scholars or employees at BU.  In addition, please encourage any incoming employees to schedule their in-person I-9 employment verification as soon as possible since scheduling options will be limited during the transition period.

Flexible Work Reminders – Worksite Addresses

In order to properly document the employment/appointment arrangements for foreign national scholars and employees, it is important that the ISSO is informed of all associated worksites, including the home address for employees and scholars who have been approved for a hybrid or remote arrangement via HR’s Flexible Work guidelines. In addition, we need to be notified if anytime there is a change in the scholar or employee’s place of residence.  More details about flexible work considerations for foreign nationals is available here. In particular, please note the following the more common immigration classifications supporting BU employees and scholars:

  • J-1 exchange visitors: J-1 exchange visitors cannot engage in flexible arrangements of 3 or more days a week. The J-1 sponsorship is based upon the expectation that the scholar or employee will be engaged in the day-to-day BU campus environment. For J-1s approved for a flexible arrangement not exceeding 2 days, the ISSO will need to report the home address in the J-1s SEVIS record.
  • H-1B Temporary Workers: H-1B regulations require employers to document worksites to USCIS. Anytime there are changes in the terms of the underlying petition submitted to USCIS on behalf of the employee, an amended petition must be filed BEFORE the change is implemented.
  • OPT/STEM OPT: Employees working under an OPT or STEM OPT authorization may work remotely as long as they continue to comply with the regulatory requirements regarding practical training, supervisor and mentorship as outlined on their Form I-983. Their associated Form I-983 and SEVIS record should note the remote location as appropriate.

Hiring departments should note all worksites and/or flexible work approvals when submitting any immigration processing requests to the ISSO. Please also enclose a copy of any HR approvals as part of that request.

Appointment Options on Medical Campus

In addition to expanding our appointment scheduling options at the ISSO, interested clients can now meet with an ISSO Scholar Team member on the medical campus (Human Resources, 609 Albany St, J Building). We are excited to partner with HR and alleviate the need for travel to the main campus for  ISSO services. Please see our appointment scheduling page for more details.

International Education Week

This year marks BU’s 12th year celebrating International Education Week (IEW), which takes place from November 6-10, 2023. IEW is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange.  You can find details about this year’s IEW events here.

The Scholar Services Team remains committed to advising and assisting our international scholar community and appreciates your continued support!